India at a Glance

Temples, monuments, spectacular palaces and thousand year-old festivals are some of the many sights you'll see in India.

Travelers to India can either visit the sub-tropical and steamy south or the high Himalayan north. The time of year you wish to plan your trip will affect the location that will be the most comfortable.

In the high, northern regions, hike through ancient villages and view shrines and temples that have been around for hundreds of years. Gaze out over snowy vistas and fields of rioting wildflowers. India's underdeveloped tourist trekking industry means that you may have the view and the mountain all to yourself.

In the south, visit the teeming cities which are home to much of India's population. Vibrant, colorful festivals, gorgeous historic buildings and rich museums depict life in India as it has been for a thousand years. Elsewhere, learn about British colonization and Indian independence. Visit tea plantations and sip a cup of the national beverage while you learn about cultivation and history. Enter a silent Buddhist monastery or a crowded silk market and you are on your way to finding India.

Goa's white beaches, palm trees and sparkling blue waters lure visitors into tropical paradise. Laid back meals, tropical drinks and a mix of eastern and western cultures makes Goa a fascinating and pleasant place to visit.

Chennai is one of Southern India's anchor cities. The city is a large collection of towns that have gradually urbanized and melded together. Indian art, culture and religion are alive here as are several colonial forts and churches.

American citizens and many other nationals need a visa to travel, work or study in India. Contact the Indian Embassy for more information and to understand specific requirements. American citizens can research travel requirements using the U.S State Department's website as well.

Need to Know

Severe Weather: Monsoon season occurs during the summer and it can be quite wet and muddy in some places.

Safety Concerns Keep valuables out of sight and use a money belt or a hotel safe to store your passport and other valuables. Keep a small stash of cash easily accessible so you don't have to expose your money belt each time you make a purchase. All travelers should decline food, drinks and drugs offered to them by strangers and be on the lookout for scammers, thieves and shady characters. Some regions of India suffer from political violence and instability. Be advised if you travel in an unstable area.

Health Concerns Vaccinations are recommended but not required of visitors to certain regions of India. Contact your doctor at least two months before your trip to learn about preventative health measures you may need. While in India, drink bottled water, or boil tap water for three minutes to avoid getting sick.